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A demonstration project explored the use of speech synthesis and speech recognition in writing-based classes held by two Philadelphia literacy providers. The project examined the use of high quality speech synthesis (the computer reads words from the screen in an understandable voice) and speech recognition (the computer responds to verbal commands) in facilitating press writing. The project used hardware and software that allowed learners to hear and edit their own writings on the computer. The software and hardware were integrated into writing-oriented classes already in place at the Community Learning Center and the Community Women's Education Project. Teachers at each location were instructed in the use of the hardware and software. Students wrote stories and listened to the computer read them back. Teachers reported that speech synthesis was useful for some students in encouraging more editing and better writing. Many students were able to recognize and correct more grammar and spelling errors after hearing their stories read back by the computer. The teachers thought that the program was worthwhile, especially for some students. Despite the claims of the creators of the speech recognition program, however, it took more computing power and time and energy to use than was provided for by the project. The project concluded that, although the technology offers promise in the future, it was not feasible to use it with the currently available version of the software. An additional result of the project was increased collaboration between the two agencies. (A protocol for process writing and a computer use log are included in an appendix to the report.) (KC)

1Boy Crusoe

By Allan Eric

Also published as" A Yankee Crusoe" . A 15 year old hard working and studious farm boy finds the lure of adventure on the seas as a merchant seaman more than he can resist. This is his story. " I was born in a little town in the State of Maine, near the close of the Civil War. My boyhood life did not differ materially from that of the average farmer's son in the remote country districts of New England--except, perhaps, that I read more and thought more. Hard work on the rugged soil, two terms each year in the little yellow country schoolhouse, a day's fishing now and then filled the early years of my life full to over-flowing. " What he gets is enough excitement and adventure to overflow his wildest dreams. How he experiences disaster and uses his wits and knowledge to overcome every problem makes for a great read. - Summary by Phil Chenevert